My Darling Lies Over the Ocean (YouTubers AU)

4. Don't ever stop flirting with your spouse.

"We can't go to bed already!" Ken complains, frowning deeply. "I haven't even started drinking my way through every bar on this ship."

The smaller man chuckles as he pulls his husband along, his blue eyes scanning each of the hallway signs in the maze of dark corridors to find their room.

"There will be plenty of time for you to sample all of the booze the cruise has to offer, Kenny. It's only the first night."

"Exactly babe," Ken reponds. "I need to get to know the bartenders early to get better drinks as the days go by. It's like networking, just with lots of alcohol."

It doesn't matter what Ken says. His hand is closed in Cry's smooth fingers. As much as he would love to explore the night life, he could never bring himself to pull away from the brunette's gently grasp.

Any other complaints dry on his tongue when Cry's sky blue eyes meet his gaze, his soft features bending perfectly as he turns his head. His pretty, brown eyebrows draw close, smooth face crinkling sadly as his lips draw into a pout.

"We gotta get some sleep, babe," Cry insists, leading them across the dark carpet by their connected hands. "My Spouse and Pets starts at eight in the morning."

Ken raises an eyebrow. "We don't have any pets."

"But they have free breakfast," Cry smiles, pale lips pulling taunt in a sly smirk. "And we have to get there before all the bacon's gone."

"This is why I love you, Cece," Ken coos, pressing a quick kiss against the smaller man's soft cheek.

The brunette smiles, his fluttering heart sending the first tingles of desire to warm his lower belly. Cry's eyes can't help but rake across his husband, still as handsome as day they met. Could it have been ten years ago already?

The memory is clear as glass, the anxiety of shuffling into the station on his first day twisting his gut at only the thought. He was incredibly grateful to find another rookie, even if he wasn't a paramedic. Cry was even more excited to see that his fellow newbie was gorgeous, though he was only more anxious when Ken's professional introduction turned into a teasing flirt. From casually flirting around the station, to a romantic date, to spending the night together. After a week, it was clear that their separate year long leases, though binding, where a complete waste of money.

Cry shakes the thought away and attempts to focus on leading them down the wide hallway, following the labyrinth of soft blue walls to their door. The seashell trim accents the blue, another reminder that they are out at sea. Both are easy on the eyes but not perfect for finding specific doors without squinting at each number.

Finally, Cry finds their door. He slides their keycard against the sensor, pushing the door open at the sound of a soft beep. The lights flash on in a soft yellow, humming quietly as they warm to a bright white glow. The cabin is cozy, bigger than Cry remembers advertised on the brochure. The long, silky curtains on the far side of the queen bed are especially confusing, no mention of them when he booked.

"What did you do?" The brunette asks, suspicious.

Ken shrugs, a smirk playing in his lips. He gently kisses Cry's hand before letting him go, sliding into the bathroom to relieve himself before bed. Immediately, Cry is drawn to the curtains, gently pushing the soft material to the side. He gasp at the large sliding door, surprised to see a balcony with lounge chairs sitting outside the polished glass.

"Holy shit, Ken," Cry breathes, stunned as he looks across this water. The sun has just began to set into the horizon, casting shades of orange and pink across the sky. The calm, still water shines blue, reflecting the light as if a sea of diamonds.